UniPASS Report Semester 1 2012 - Unilife - Curtin University

UniPASS Semester 1 2012 Report
Feedback from Peer Learning Facilitators (continued)
The benefits of UniPASS are not just for attendees - the facilitators who run the sessions benefit immensely from the
professional skills and experience acquired (Figure 9). Many of the specific skills the facilitators develop are graduate
attributes valued by Curtin (Graduate Attributes Policy, 2006). For example, applying discipline knowledge, principles
and concepts; thinking critically, creatively and reflectively; communicating effectively; demonstrating cultural
awareness and understanding are all qualities that become highly developed in UniPASS facilitators. Implied
awareness of this is evident in the facilitators’ feedback as 78% strongly believe being a UniPASS PLF was beneficial
to their professional development and 66% strongly agree that it was beneficial to their academic development.
There were a range of responses about the working relationship and support felt with the Unit
Coordinators/Lecturers. We anticipate that this figure will improve as UniPASS matures and becomes more accepted
as an academic support program.
78% of Facilitators strongly agreed that UniPASS was good pathway into academic leadership (Figure 9). This has
been further evidenced with at least three facilitators gaining employment as sessional tutors or lab demonstrators.
Given the number of academic Curtin staff due to retire in the near future and the stronger emphasis for academic
staff to have completed a doctorate, UniPASS could be a valuable pathway into academia and provide longer term
strategic human resource returns for Curtin.
Comments from Facilitators
General comments from the facilitators highlight the benefits to them professionally and academically.
“Developing professional relationships with academic staff, improving communication skills, helping peers in firstyear
develop good study skills and transition into university.”
“it help with my future units that are linked with the one that i was faciliating.”
“Good Structure, easily integrated into uni life. Great management by anna and raph. Good ideas and purpose of the
whole unipass thing :)”
“Helping other students. Fun. Practical problem solving.”
“Endless really, I have found that taking on the role has forced growth and development within me mentally. It took
me out of my comfort zone and I am solidifying content already learnt and learning so muchmore in the process.”
“Improving leadership and organisational skills and becoming a more confident person”
“Helping other students reach their goals; Helping others was really rewarding and helped me reach my own goals.”
“Being able to revise concepts learnt whilst helping others to learn these concepts too.”
“Being able to help students achieve their goals and improving my communication and leadership skills.”
“Encouragement and trust, also the motivation and positive feedback from Anna and Raphael”
Raphael Pereira September 2012 UniLife – START – UniPASS 17